Long-term effect of posterior nasal neurectomy for perennial allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Background : Surgical treatment is recommended for patients with severe allergic rhinitis (AR) refractory to medical treatment. Endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) is primarily performed to improve rhinorrhea in severe perennial AR, however studies on its long-term prognosis are lacking. Aims / Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the long-term prognosis of PNN. Materials and Methods : A questionnaire survey was administered to 17 patients (12 men and 5 women) at least 1 year after PNN. Nasal symptoms and medications, as well as patient satisfaction with surgery at the time of survey, were scored. Furthermore, scores were compared between patients with postoperative periods of > 5 years and < 5 years. Results : Nasal symptoms and medication scores significantly improved after surgery. There was no significant difference between patients with a postoperative period of > 5 years and < 5 years in both preoperative and postoperative nasal symptoms and medication scores. No correlation was found between patient satisfaction with surgery and postoperative period. Conclusions and Significance : PNN improved nasal symptoms and medication scores in patients with severe perennial AR. Furthermore, the study results suggest that the long-term effect of PNN for perennial AR lasts for > 5 years.